Chapter 34 – I want to buy a brain that can’t remember anything for a large sum of money!

 

After He Changzhou left, Zhao Qi once again fell into a state of isolation.

 

Last night, both He Changzhou and Rong Tang had come to Yonghua Palace. He Changzhou had just dropped him off and left, making Rong Tang the prime suspect—especially given his past record.

 

Jiang Dehai brought over a plate of cracked walnuts. “Your Majesty, have some walnuts to nourish your brain. Maybe then you’ll remember what happened last night.”

 

“Oh.” Zhao Qi stiffly stuffed the walnuts into his mouth and tried again to recall the details of the previous night. Perhaps the walnuts really did help, as a scene flashed through his mind—

 

He was lying on a man’s chest, panting heavily. The unfamiliar, strange sensation left his gaze dazed, his mind and vision completely blank.

 

The man’s hand brushed over his waist, his voice hoarse, “Do you want more?”

 

After a brief pause, Zhao Qi moved closer and kissed the man’s lips, his voice tinged with sobs, “More… I want more…”

 

The man chuckled, “Your Majesty can take it yourself.”

 

 

Zhao Qi automatically pictured Rong Tang’s face, his mind instantly flooded with blood. His face and ears turned crimson. He spat out the walnut with a “pfft,” as if he’d eaten something wild. “Take it away, take it away!”

 

He’d rather never remember what happened last night! He would pay a fortune for a brain that remembered nothing!

 

Zhao Qi was downcast for most of the day. In the evening, a maid from Ci’an Palace came with a message, saying Empress Dowager Wen invited him for dinner.

 

Zhao Qi had no appetite, but he had to accompany his mother. The moment Empress Dowager Wen saw him, she couldn’t hide her concern. “I heard that the Emperor was so drunk last night that you couldn’t even walk steadily. You know you can’t handle your liquor well, so why drink so much—what happened to your mouth?”

 

“I accidentally bit it myself,” Zhao Qi sighed. “Drinking causes trouble.” Big trouble—it had cost him his first night.

 

Empress Dowager Wen personally served him a bowl of soup, watching as he drank half of it. She then asked, “How does Your Majesty plan to handle the matter with Western Xia?”

 

Zhao Qi asked, “What matter with Western Xia?”

 

The Empress Dowager was somewhat surprised. “The crown prince of Western Xia died in the Imperial Garden after last night’s banquet—does the Emperor not know?”

 

Zhao Qi paused, holding the bowl in his hands, then shook his head blankly. “No, I didn’t know.”

 

Western Xia was a vassal state of Dajing, having submitted to Dajing when it was first founded. Although small, Western Xia was rich in resources and often sent various rare treasures as tribute. This year, for the Emperor’s longevity festival, the king of Western Xia had sent his eldest son on a long journey to the capital to extend birthday wishes. Zhao Qi had even drunk the wine the crown prince had offered at the banquet. Who would have thought that the man would die so suddenly?

 

“I thought the Emperor already knew,” the Empress Dowager said gravely. “If it were just an ordinary envoy, it would be one thing, but now it’s the crown prince of Western Xia who has died, and in the Imperial Palace no less. I’m afraid the king of Western Xia won’t let this go easily. The Prime Minister has been dealing with the envoys from Western Xia all day, but we don’t know the progress.”

 

Zhao Qi temporarily put aside his own issue of losing his virginity. “I’ll go find the Prime Minister and get a clear understanding.” Such a major event had occurred, and he, as the emperor, knew nothing about it. Normally, in any emergency, Xiao Shiqing would include him in the handling. What happened this time…

 

After leaving Ci’an Palace, Zhao Qi went directly to Qinzhen Hall. The hall was brightly lit, and outside, besides the palace guards, there were several burly men in Western Xia attire, casting subtle glances at Zhao Qi.

 

When the guards saw Zhao Qi, they were about to salute, but Zhao Qi waved them off and asked, “Is the Prime Minister inside?”

 

The Imperial Guard said, “Your Majesty, the Chancellor has been in the Hall of Diligence all day.”

 

“Oh,” Zhao Qi peeked inside, “what’s the situation in there?”

 

The Imperial Guard replied, “I do not know.”

 

Zhao Qi braced himself and walked in. Inside the hall, Xiao Shiqing sat in his usual spot, his expression cold and his aura keeping others at a distance. The envoy from Xixia stood before him, angrily ranting, “…if we don’t get an explanation today, we will not leave!”

 

Xiao Shiqing smiled, “Feel free to stay, but I won’t be accompanying you.”

 

The Xixia envoy was taken aback and hastily said, “Are you planning to abandon us here?!”

 

Xiao Shiqing replied, “I have wasted a whole day here with you. Do you realize how many of my matters have been delayed because of this?”

 

The Xixia envoy fumed, “What could be more important than finding the true culprit behind our Crown Prince’s murder?!”

 

Xiao Shiqing calmly said, “My matters are such that even if your Crown Prince died ten times over, they would still be more important.”

 

The Xixia envoy’s face turned red with anger as he struggled to maintain his composure, “Chancellor Xiao, our Crown Prince has always respected you greatly, even more than the Emperor of Dajing. Is this how you repay him?!”

 

“Then that is his mistake,” Xiao Shiqing said coldly. “The Emperor is the ruler, and I am his minister. If your Crown Prince cannot distinguish between the two, I wonder if Xixia even understands the principles of sovereignty.”

 

Hearing this, Zhao Qi almost choked on air. He realized Xiao Shiqing truly held double standards. To outsiders, he spoke of “principles of sovereignty,” but in private, those principles seemed non-existent. Should he be grateful for being given such face in public?

 

Seeing the Xixia envoy on the verge of exploding, Zhao Qi quickly stepped forward, hoping to play the good cop. “Oh, everyone is here.”

 

When Xiao Shiqing saw him, a strange look flashed in his eyes. He stood up and said, “Your Majesty.”

 

The Xixia envoy also made a perfunctory bow, “Greetings, Your Majesty.”

 

“No need for formalities,” Zhao Qi said as he walked towards the dragon throne. As he brushed past Xiao Shiqing, he whispered, “Why didn’t you tell me about such a big matter, brother?”

 

Xiao Shiqing looked at him, ignoring the question, “What happened to your lips?”

 

Before he could finish asking, Zhao Qi answered, “I bit them myself.”

 

Xiao Shiqing gave a faint smile, “Is that so.”

 

“I have heard about the matter. I deeply regret the Crown Prince’s death and hope you can bear your grief,” Zhao Qi said as he sat down, feeling a sharp pain in a certain embarrassing place, causing him to hiss.

 

Xiao Shiqing frowned, “Who allowed the Emperor to come?”

 

Zhao Qi looked puzzled, “Am I not supposed to come?”

 

The Xixia envoy angrily said, “Your Majesty, our Crown Prince, such a strong and valiant man, was murdered overnight. Shouldn’t you give us an explanation?”

 

“I never said I wouldn’t,” Zhao Qi replied kindly, “Moreover, your Crown Prince died in my palace, not on the street.”

 

The Xixia envoy retorted, “Your Majesty!”

 

“Don’t be impatient,” Zhao Qi said, “I will certainly give you an explanation, but you need to give me time. Chancellor, who is investigating the case now?”

 

Xiao Shiqing answered, “The Minister of the Court of Judicial Review.”

 

“Minister Chen?”

 

“Yes.”

 

Zhao Qi took a sip of tea, “Oh, him. Rest assured, Minister Chen is a top-notch investigator. Last time I lost a little peach at Muyang Temple, he investigated thoroughly, surprising both me and the Chancellor.”

 

The Xixia envoy was on the verge of losing it, “God, how can you compare these two cases?!”

 

Xiao Shiqing coldly said, “Watch your tone. Do you know who you’re speaking to?”

 

“It’s fine,” Zhao Qi acted as a peacemaker, “I understand your feelings, but neither the Chancellor nor I can investigate the case. So let’s wait. You take your people back to the inn, and I’ll keep an eye on the case for you. As soon as Minister Chen finds a clue, I’ll summon you to the palace—how about that?”

 

The Xixia envoy pondered, “Fine! I’ll give you three days. If you don’t find the culprit in three days, I’ll take the Crown Prince’s body back to Xixia and report everything you’ve said to our Emperor!”

 

“Isn’t three days too short? How about ten days?” Zhao Qi suggested.

 

“Five days!”

 

“Eight days?”

 

“Seven days!” The Xixia envoy shouted, “Your Majesty better not push too far! Though Xixia is a small country, we all have unyielding spirits!”

 

“Alright, seven days it is,” Zhao Qi agreed, “Escort the envoy out.”

 

The Xixia envoy snapped, “No need, I can walk myself.”

 

The Xixia envoy left in a huff, leaving Zhao Qi and Xiao Shiqing alone in the hall. Zhao Qi slumped on the dragon throne, muttering, “First day of being nineteen, and it’s already this intense. Impressive.” Now he had two cases to handle. The Xixia case could be left to the capable Minister Chen, but his own case he had to solve himself.

 

Xiao Shiqing poured a cup of tea and handed it to Zhao Qi, “What other exciting things do you have to share?”

 

Zhao Qi recalled an inappropriate scene and choked on the tea, coughing violently, “Cough, cough—”

 

Xiao Shiqing smirked, “Can’t even drink tea properly.” Despite his mocking tone, he honestly reached out to pat Zhao Qi’s back.

 

Zhao Qi quickly changed the subject to clear his mind of the inappropriate thoughts, “You still haven’t answered my question.”

 

“Hmm?”

 

“I heard the Crown Prince’s body was found in the Imperial Garden last night. Why didn’t you tell me?”

 

Xiao Shiqing withdrew his hand and leisurely said, “I saw you were enduring quite a bit last night, so I thought I’d let you rest.”

 

Zhao Qi’s body stiffened—enduring quite a bit?

 

What did that mean?! Could it be that Xiao Shiqing was also at Yonghua Palace last night?

 

F*ck, how many people have actually been there? Just line up and report your numbers!

 

Xiao Shiqing watched him with interest, “What, you don’t remember?”

 

Zhao Qi stammered, “R-remember… some parts.”

 

Xiao Shiqing squinted, “Which parts?”

 

Zhao Qi felt uneasy, unable to grasp Xiao Shiqing’s intention behind this question.

 

Xiao Shiqing said, “Speak.”

 

Zhao Qi was mortified. How could he describe that scene to Xiao Shiqing in words? Just kill him already!

 

Gritting his teeth, Zhao Qi said, “When did brother Prime Minister go to Yonghua Palace, and what did you do after you went there?”

 

Xiao Shiqing smiled, “You really don’t remember.”

 

At this moment, an attendant entered the hall to report, “Your Majesty, Prime Minister, Prince Zhaonan requests an audience.”

 

Zhao Qi, impatient, said, “What’s he here for again? Can’t he see I’m busy? Tell him I’m not seeing anyone.”

 

Xiao Shiqing glanced at Zhao Qi and said, “Let him in.”

 

Attendant: “Yes.”

 

Zhao Qi was speechless, “Brother, Li Chisu definitely isn’t here for anything serious, why see him?”

 

Xiao Shiqing replied, “Someone saw Prince Zhaonan in the Imperial Garden last night. I called him here for questioning.”

 

Zhao Qi: “…Fine.”

 

The attendant led Li Chisu into the hall. Li Chisu met Zhao Qi’s disdainful gaze and smiled, “Greetings, Your Majesty.”

 

One had to admit, Li Chisu was indeed good-looking. When he smiled, his eyes seemed to hold affection, and if one wasn’t careful, they could easily get lost in his charming eyes.

 

However, in Zhao Qi’s eyes, no matter how good-looking Li Chisu was, it was useless. Even though he knew Li Chisu’s flirtatious behavior was a façade, why couldn’t he pretend to be an idiot or act impotent like Prince Huai? It must be in his nature to be a flirt. As a fellow man, Zhao Qi despised people like him the most.

 

Zhao Qi said coldly, “At ease.”

 

Li Chisu said, “Your Majesty seems to be in a bad mood.”

 

“Isn’t that obvious,” Zhao Qi said, “with such a big incident, how could I be in a good mood?”

 

Li Chisu: “Oh? I thought Your Majesty was angry with me. Seems that’s not the case.”

 

Xiao Shiqing said sternly, “What have you done this time that would make the Emperor angry with you?”

 

Li Chisu smiled, “If His Majesty doesn’t say, how dare I speak.”


T/N: There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

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Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep